Solingen's Protestant churches face uncertain future amid declining membership

A heated public meeting took place in Solingen's civic hall on February 11, 2023, to discuss the future of the city's Protestant church buildings. Over 350 people attended, including members from all ten congregations, as concerns grow over declining membership and rising costs.

The session was led by Hartmut Hoferichter, the former head of urban development. Emotions ran high, with many making impassioned pleas to keep their local churches open. Some feared disputes could arise between parishes over which buildings to save.

Solingen's Protestant Church currently manages 13 active church buildings, along with nine community centres and parish halls. None of these have been closed or sold since 2000, despite financial pressures. However, the organisation now struggles to afford or justify maintaining all these properties due to shrinking congregations and fewer staff.

Larger congregations—such as Ohligs, Wald, Mitte, and Dorp—face no immediate risk of closure. But smaller ones, including Widdert, Rupelrath, Merscheid, and Ketzberg, are most vulnerable. Richard Ritterbusch, a member of the Widdert congregation, warned that disagreements between parishes could worsen if tough decisions are delayed.

A final decision on the future of the buildings is not expected until the end of 2027.

The church must now weigh the cost of upkeep against dwindling resources and membership. With no closures since 2000, the upcoming decision will mark a significant shift in Solingen's religious landscape. The outcome will determine which buildings remain open beyond 2027.